asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a number of railway workers dismissed from the companies' services are in want, and whether in view of the fact that the Railway Tribunal reported to the Minister some time ago that the superannuation scheme submitted to the Railway Tribunal by the Great Southern Railways Company in accordance with Section 11 of the Railways Act, 1933, was not confirmed by the tribunal, he will indicate the steps already taken or proposed to be taken by his Department to secure that the provisions of the Act in question will be implemented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Superannuation to Dismissed Railway Men.
I would refer the Deputy to the answer given by me on the 20th November last to a similar question by him. I have since been in touch with representatives of the employees and with the company, but so far it has not been found possible to arrive at a modification acceptable to both parties of the superannuation scheme which was submitted to the Railway Tribunal under Section 11 of the Railways Act, 1933.
Is the Minister aware that there is a likelihood of a very large number of men being retired on the age limit at the end of the present year, and would he give any consideration to the question of providing superannuation for these men?
I understand that a voluntary scheme of superannuation is there at the present time but the difficulty of getting an agreed superannuation scheme on a voluntary basis has proved very considerable. As the Deputy is aware, the proposal submitted to the Railway Tribunal was not accepted and discussions have been proceeding with a view to discovering what modifications of that scheme would make it acceptable, but on that matter no decision has been yet arrived at.
Would the Minister consider the advisability of his Department consulting with the men with a view to the provision of a reasonable scheme?
So far as the scheme submitted is concerned, the Railway Tribunal reports that that scheme did not meet the reasonable requirements of the company's employees and because of that, the relevant section of the Act has been discharged. The Act does not make adequate provision for what may happen. I have been proceeding upon the basis of having a discussion with both parties with a view to getting an agreed scheme which would thereupon become the subject of legislation.
Would the proposed scheme have the approval of an actuary appointed by the Minister?
It would have to be approved by the Railway Tribunal.
Would the Minister say approximately how long it is since the men's representatives were consulted on the matter?
In the month of June I made representations to some of the men concerned.